I've been racking on my brain and can't make a decision between two less common 33" (285/75-16) tires that happen to be in my budget at the moment. With discounts/rebate the prices are close. $129 each for the Toyo vs $135 for the Dick Cepek. Generally I have a good impression of Toyo, but these are kind of odd, and neither tire has much info. Please help!
First up: Dick Cepek Trail Country EXP
Features: Made by Cooper. Seems similar to the S/T Maxx with a lighter 2 ply construction (57lbs vs 62lbs). Still E rated. Looks like a decent, relatively cheap hybrid-type tire.
Next up: Toyo Open County C/T
This is kind of an odd tire. They call it commercial grade all-terrain, supposedly with a winter focus. It has a high natural rubber content. It's mountain-snowflake certified and drilled for studs. It's heavier (61lbs) and has a three ply construction. Prior to sale it was the higher priced tire.
When comparing it to the other tires of similar size in the C/T line, it's the only one rated for C load and 50psi max, where all the others are E load/80psi. Yet I'm told it has the same construction, and the weight is what you'd expect for its size relative to its peers. Now I don't really know if I should care what it's rated -- under some circumstances C rated might be better for weight, etc -- but in this case it weighs more than the Dick Cepek and may have a less comfortable ride due to what I suspect is actually a more beefy construction given it's commercial grade title and the literature.
Anyway there's hardly any info about either of these, but they're the only two options I see right now for a strong value. I'm leaning toward the Toyo. I like the name, it's a little cheaper, and there isn't a rebate to worry about. The supposed winter performance would be welcome (I'll be driving a 98LX with no VSC for Colorado snow), but I'm concerned that it's actually a niche tire that won't end up being as good for me. I wouldn't be surprised if the highway ride is worse or noisier, and the specialized rubber compound is an unknown. I often hear about high silica content in tires. This seems like it would be the opposite. There's also the 4lb difference, which might be nice to avoid. Plus it seems like it isn't very popular which makes me wonder why.
Any thoughts? Think the Toyo would be good for trails (HIH9!) and the road, or is this some special tire meant for construction trucks up in the tundra?
First up: Dick Cepek Trail Country EXP
Features: Made by Cooper. Seems similar to the S/T Maxx with a lighter 2 ply construction (57lbs vs 62lbs). Still E rated. Looks like a decent, relatively cheap hybrid-type tire.
Next up: Toyo Open County C/T
This is kind of an odd tire. They call it commercial grade all-terrain, supposedly with a winter focus. It has a high natural rubber content. It's mountain-snowflake certified and drilled for studs. It's heavier (61lbs) and has a three ply construction. Prior to sale it was the higher priced tire.
When comparing it to the other tires of similar size in the C/T line, it's the only one rated for C load and 50psi max, where all the others are E load/80psi. Yet I'm told it has the same construction, and the weight is what you'd expect for its size relative to its peers. Now I don't really know if I should care what it's rated -- under some circumstances C rated might be better for weight, etc -- but in this case it weighs more than the Dick Cepek and may have a less comfortable ride due to what I suspect is actually a more beefy construction given it's commercial grade title and the literature.
Anyway there's hardly any info about either of these, but they're the only two options I see right now for a strong value. I'm leaning toward the Toyo. I like the name, it's a little cheaper, and there isn't a rebate to worry about. The supposed winter performance would be welcome (I'll be driving a 98LX with no VSC for Colorado snow), but I'm concerned that it's actually a niche tire that won't end up being as good for me. I wouldn't be surprised if the highway ride is worse or noisier, and the specialized rubber compound is an unknown. I often hear about high silica content in tires. This seems like it would be the opposite. There's also the 4lb difference, which might be nice to avoid. Plus it seems like it isn't very popular which makes me wonder why.
Any thoughts? Think the Toyo would be good for trails (HIH9!) and the road, or is this some special tire meant for construction trucks up in the tundra?